The Armada Trace 98 is a new model from Armada for the 2018 winter ski season. They are categorised as all mountain skis and certainly have the ability to handle everything from piste to powder.
When taking the Armada Trace 98 into off-piste terrain and especially deep powder snow, you almost get the impression they are getting excited about it, you can feel it through your feet. They are highly responsive with an ideal width under foot that strikes a good balance across variating conditions and suit advanced women skiers looking to improve in off-piste terrain.
Soft and light these skis make for a perfect intro to freeride - perhaps for someone on their first season looking for versatility in their skis. They're a playful ski due to the flex, although if you're more inclined to use them in powder than piste then perhaps it would be better to go for a longer length.
Despite lots of positives and although generally they are easy to turn on-piste and pleasant to ride in powder - overall they're a little on the bland side.
The top sheet has a very urban look to it and we like it - really great looking skis. Mid-range in price at £500 without bindings, so good value for money, if not the cheapest in the category.
Perfect skis for upper end recreational women skiers who don't push the limits too hard but want a reliable all mountain ski with lots of versatility.